Christmas cooking.

I have just made some Mince pies,they look excellant,even if I say so myself.I had some tesco mince pies last week and they were insipid looking and full of sugar.``````````````````````````````

We have been watching christmas specials of family fortunes and you;ve been framed.
Dad is having a bottle of Jacobs creek,vintage 2005,which we got from the corner shops chilled cabinet.

We are having warm crusty bread,and various cheeses for supper.

Tomorrow we are going down to Bens flat,and will stay the night there ,so will have to look out a christmas stocking for him.
Ellika has gone back to sweden ,so Ben is on his own, these last few days.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE>

Long time no see.

It has been over 3 years since we last saw Gillian and David.It was on a holiday we had together in spain.

So it was great to get together on Saturday.They came for Lunch ,and we talked non stop till they all went home in the wee small hours of sunday.
We all ate and drank a lot,but it was such fun,and we will do it again soon.

Persian christmas

I have written all the cards now,and have the stamps.so will post them later tonight.

I have to go out to the Camera club to take cups and prints there for Dad. I am sorry to have to report that Dad has a bad back,and is not mentally able to function as normal. He finds it difficult to digest imformation and retain it,so he has worked from home today. I hope he will be back to his normal self soon.

It is very cold today and I cant find my gloves.

While walking down Station Road in Henley,I noticed that the COSY TEAPOT Cafe has closed down. No more toasted teacakes and scones.In its place is Persepolis Resturant,serving authentic persian cuisine.
The menu has such delights as Soltani,a skewer of chenjeh and a skewer of koobideh, for £12.50.
I think I will take Dad there when he is better,It will be something to look forward to.

Ps.for £145 you can order a whole stuffed lamb with rice,minced meat,nuts,fresh herbs and spices.Order one week in advance.

PPs. At work I was asked not to clean the Kitchen as Ronaldo was butchering a lamb ,from the farm. No conection.

Christmas presents

I have been wrapping christmas presents,Paul is comming up tomorrow,so I want to give them to him to take home,as we wont see them untill new years eve.

Its now 8.30 pm ,and I havent had my tea,Dad is at camera club,there is a competition tonight,a trophy for the winner.Good Luck ,but I bet that bloomin Dickie Bird wins.

We went to brighton,for Bens birthday,and had a meal out at Suckatie Boy,which does great food.I hope Ben will put up the pics on his blog,as I forgot my camera.

We stayed at Dan and Lorraines,in their loveley guest room.I took Jarvis for a walk around Whithdean,while Pete and Lorraine were at Boxercise,and he ate some burger ,dropped by the football supporters,and has been sick for 2 days.

A Great weekend.

We have just got back from our weekend away. I have nothing but praise about it.No complaints about anything.
The hire car was most comfy,our chauffer was of a sunny disposition and a good driver.
The Band B was next door to Harry Potters house,and overlooked an old church.
Lots of nice books,magazines,and leaflets about places to go,were in our room.The tea tray had a great selection,and a quality tea set.

Masses of fruit ,organic food and home made jams., for breakfast .We will go again,let me know if you would like to come.
Songs of praise was being filmed there ,and will be shown on December 10th.

The village is totally national trust,so no lines on road,signs or tv ariels.

Bath is nearby,and I give it 9 out of 10.A good city to visit.All the people we met were very polite and charming.

Next weekend we are in Brighton for Bens 22nd birthday, so looking forward to that.

I had a very happy day on Monday,Pete came up and we hit John Lewis hard,a great day ,pete is a very good person to take shopping with you ,he is very patient and full of good advice,and can shop till he drops!!!!Maybe Tracey has trained him well?

Thi chi

Dad says we must both go to Thi chi classes.as it adds 10 years to your life,and he wants to live to age 61.

Dad will be posting the picture of my dinner,from last night soon.It contained 500g of fresh spinach,amongst other things,and it was ok,I ate it because I knew it would be good for me.

Milly,my darling fiat punto has passed her MOT today.Straight through.

I was so proud of her,she has never broken down on a journey,and she is 7 years old and has travelled 79,500 miles.

I am now going to tax her on line,how good is that, no need to queue at the post office.

Keeping on blogging

I feel I must write something,as 2 members of our family havent lately,and Dad and I Iook all the time to see, and wish there was some more news.Our star family blogger lives over the seas,and I wish I had such interesting news to write about,and the talent to put pen to paper, so well as he does.

Anyway lets see what I can write,at least I am improving on my typing speed, if not the accuracy.

I feel I am finished with Rosemary,as I have lost enough weight now, and have the knowledge not to put back on the weight I have lost ,which is nearly 2 stone. I would still like to go to an exercise class or something,as I fell it keeps me on my toes so to speak.

I am having Spinach soup tonight,Dad has took a picture and it looks like a cowpat,so I will eat it ,if I can with my eyes shut.
It is an you' are what you eat' recipe,so is very healthy.

Dark and rainy afternoon.

I am sitting here this afternoon with a lemsip,which I find very good for my cold.

I have walked down to the butchers to get a lamb shank for Dads tea,which he will have with Roast potatoes and onions,carrots and brussell sprouts,not forgettting nice thick bisto gravey.

I am reading Terry Wogans new book Mustn't Grumble,It is very boring,so I will not finish it.I went to the library yesterday and borrowed 12 books,so I have lots more to get through.including the autobiography's of Leslie Phillips and Tommy Steele.

I am still busy cataloging all my books in DELICIOUS LIBRARY. What a good programe that is.

While at the farm,when I was staying there we watched 2 dvd's.
Mrs Henderson,good, and A good Woman,not so good .We have recently been to the theatre to see the play on which the film is based.
I got paid £100 for looking after the farm.If I didnt help, she would not be able to get a break.One sheep died ,and the farm man
told me it had a chunk taken out of its backside,not done by a lion he said,but otherwise he had not a clue as to what might be the cause ..He is a simple person just over from south Africa.

Smile

Today my brain is not working well,it has taken me one hour to get these photos on this blog,and I am worn out
now.

I hope it is worth while, and you like to see them.

Twins?

Dan told me last night,when he phoned me(from the nurses home where he was spending the night) that lots of people at the mac show have asked if him and Ben are twins!! Dan is thrilled because he is 6 years older than Ben.

What goes all around the world,yet stays in one corner?

I have been reading ,
Pete Doherty ,My prodigal son,by his mother.
He is Britains most notorious drug addict.He use to be in the Libertines,and now he is with Babyshambles.
I dont rate the book,his mother is religious ,but I like him and will read another book about him soon.

Then I read Inside Little Britain,by Matt ,David and Boyd Hilton,who I think loves David.This book has lots of gay tales,and I dont rate it much.

Now I am reading Womans hour,celebrating 60 years of womans lives.

I look on the net and find all the latest books and then borrow them from the library.You have to reserve all the latest titles,and it costs 80p. well worth it.

Oh, I have read the award winning Nightwatch by Sarah Walters and that is so lesbien, and not nearly so good as previous winners.

sore feet and blisters.

Yesterday Jarvis and I walked along the Thames from Cookham, which was the home of an eccentric and visionary painter Sir Stanley Spencer,past spring cottage,part of the cliveden estate,where John Profumo met christine Keeler,next is David Dimblebys place.and on past the rich houses all the way to windsor.we walked 14 miles in just under 4 hours.I enjoyed it and I like the challenge.I said when I have done 7 miles I can have an apple and a drink and listen to my Ipod on the way back.That kept me going.The thames is 168 miles in length and I would like to walk its length,before we move .

We are going to stay in Band B in Laycock wiltshire,in4 weeks time.Dad is doing a lighting course.

Laycock is a national Trust village ,this is the website for where we are staying,which also tells you about the area,so have a look.www.lacockbedandbreakfast.com.

Dad is doing his vat tomorrow.I have got £40 for looking after Fisher ,when his owners go out for the day ,this is over £10 a day and it is a pleasure to have him.He is Jarvis's best friend.Jarvis is comming with us to laycock,because I want to walk and explore as I have not been there before.

I was just going to make Dan and Lorraine a fruit cake,to take down on sunday ,when Dad came in and said we were going next weekend and staying the night.So that is great,a night in the new house.The cake can be made next Friday.
Dad has been to London to the Mac show,and Dan and Ben didnt know he was comming to see them.

Charity Run

Yesterday,Lorraine succesfully completed her half marathon,in Portsmouth, during a torrential downpour.
WELL DONE.
Dad and I also did a charity run ,all be it a small one .When we got up we emptied out our wardrobe,and filled 2 black sacks with old clothes,which we carried down to the local Oxfam shop.Then we went and rewarded ourselves with a coffee in starbucks ,I had an Americano and Dad had cappuccino.

Last week at Rosemary connoly I got 2 certificates ,the week before I wore my Dunk Island T-shirt and 2 people came up and told me they had been there,and how great it was.What a small world .But they dont like winners there.!!!!!

Keep on walking

Today we went for a 10 mile walk ,it was so nice ,but my feet are sore and they got wet.My walking boots are broken and my trainers leak.
I have to do sweaty exercises 5 times a week on my Rosemary conley plan,so I hurry up hills and down.
Margaret is having an ecg ,orders of the anesetis before her op so hope all ok.
Paul and Ann came up sunday and we went to Turville, where the Vicar of Dibley is filmed.
I cooked a Game casserole for Dad ,It had Pidgeon,venison ,pheasant,and mallard in it. He ate it up but said dont make this again.

All the best to Dan and Lorraine tomorrow as they are moving .

On sunday Lorraine is doing her marathon .I will be thinking of her and I hope it goes well ,dear lorraine xxx

Amazing find.

My silver charm bracelet,that has been lost for 20 years,has been found .

I got it for my 18th bithday,and everybody gave me charms for births ,birthdays and christmas,etc.It was all the rage then, 30 years ago .My mum found it in a wooden box when she was unpacking. I wonder if Alex and Dan can remember looking at it ?

All you boys use to like looking at the old coins and jewellery in the boxes on my dressing table ,when you were tiny .

Dad has had chicken and asparagus pie ,brussel sprouts,roast potatoes and meaty oxo gravey for dinner. He has gone to the camera club,and I am having some homemade veg soup,while I watch Britains youngest mums and dads 2006 ,on itv.

Friday pizza

I have made a pizza for dad,he loves it,the cheese went on last though,that was wrong.
On the pizza is organic tomatoes,sweetcorn,onions,spanish chorizio,and grated mozerrela and salad on the side.

I helped Ben move on thursday,and when he can he will put some pictures up on his blog.There is no internet connection as yet.

I left home at 5.45am and got to Brighton at 7.20 am ,I walked Jarvis in Greenlees park,left milly in Sainsburys and Ben picked me up in the hired whire van,which cost £40 for the day.It was a very nice one, and we listened to Chris Moyles breakfast show,while we drove to the Yellow Box storage company which was not far ,but so much traffic,to pick up all his stuff.Gorden Ramsey was on his show, and he runs a lot of marathons,he is only 39 but I think he looks alot older .

It costs £10 per week to store ,and it took us 1 hour to load the van.From Lewis road ,we went to get the key, then to Bens flat in Bedford place.Eli was working, but as soon as she was finished at MKMax , she hurried along western road to help us.Eli is small but very strong and soon they had the heavy stuff up 3 flights of stairs.I think they will be very happy there ,the flat has a good feel about it . They can see the sea out of the window.

2 Birthday Boys.

Alex was 33 on Saturday ,and Dan is 28 today .Happy birthday boys.
On Daniels 1st birthday, and for Alex;s 6th, they shared a specially made cake. It was the only time that happened.
When Daniel was about 6 or 7 ,he always said Alex got the best presents ,as we had spent all our money on him,and didnt have much left for his.

I have just cooked Dad a veg frittata,and the grill is still very hot ,so I have put our wet shoes in there.we got so wet on saturday,walking back from the allotment.we are enjoing cabbages,leeks,spinach and beetroot,that we have grown.

I have just read Running with scissors by Augusten Burroughs ,to gay for my liking .Now I am reading Night watch by Sarah
waters,which is the other side of the blanket.

Autumn is here ,I have a jumper on today ,the 1st time for months .In the woods and fields today ,I saw lots of conkers and Mushrooms.

Dad has had a spillage with his dinner,so will have to change his shirt before the camera club. Pete does this alot as well,I think it;s a counsell thing.

Slimmer of the week

I was presented with a certificate after our exercises, for losing the most weight . I was given, as well, a prize of an apple,a pear and a kiwi fruit . Nobody spoke to me after,so I got in Milly and drove home . Dad and Jarvis were very pleased to see me.
Dad was watching The Bill,and enjoyed the chicken casserole I left in the oven for him .

Gi Jeans

Last night I went to a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness club .

This is a first for me. I am on a 2 week kick start Gi Jeans Diet .

There is very little choice of food,and a multi-vitamin is recomended .

I am very hopeful that I will be able to keep going with this .

Take the Ferry across the Mersey

Adelphi Hotel before we left.

Over excited!!

3 wise monkeys

Shoe shine

Liverpool, the start of the trip.

I cant find the thing to download my photos of our liverpool trip at the moment but will asap.
We left our house at 6pm on Friday 15th and drove down to maidstone to leave Jarvis with Paul and Ann .We left there at 9pm and bought some excellent fish and chips at their local chip shop.They were so good ,
and I recomend you sample them if you find yourself down that way.

We arrived at Auntie Margarets and uncle Davids, after a 35 min drive, had a nice mug of tea and then went to bed ,as we wanted to be away early ,at 6am., As you know we must have fresh air these hot nights,so we opened the lounge windows wide as we could, and we fell asleep listening to the sound of the large waterfall in the back garden.
We got up at 7am and left at 7.45am. I won't write more now as it is 8.45pm, and I want to have my dinner. So to be continued.

Wednesdays news

I am on my own tonight , so no cooking . Ben is selling his car,and Paul might buy it for Amy.
Nan and Grandad should be moving on Tuesday 26th sept 2006.
Dan is in Paris at the Mac show ,working very hard ,I have tried to phone him at the hotel, but he is so busy.He is on his own untill Lorraine flys out to help him on Friday . Good work Dan ,we are all very proud of you and Realmac software .
We are off to liverpool with Auntie Margaret and Uncle David to see relations ,and get some family history ,as you all know your nan was born there ,and all her family lived here.We are staying in the Adelphi Hotel which was the subject of a BBc Documentary series,so should be good fun
Jarvis has got trembling and sore legs and is having a general anesetic for xrays and neurological tests next week.

I didnt go to the spin and pilates classes at the gym.I chickened out .I wanted to but felt i would be to bad.
I have just read a spell of winter by Helen Dunmore which won the orange prize in 1995. I think Lorraine would like this as it is about an unusual subject which I wont write about here. It is just that we both enjoy many of the same books.

The last photo is of Jarvis in a Hop Garden in Kent

At Ben and Elikas ,this is the main course of our swedish meal.


I was out walking today and passed this vineyard near the Thames in Whitchurch.

This is good use of a fallen tree .I sat here and had a drink of evian water.

Dad photographing a glorious view.

Top Dog

Jarvis saves the day
.It is only 11 .7 miles to High Wycombe, and Tom Tom said it would take 22 minutes.He didnt know about the 2 mile traffic jam at the roundabout there. High Wycombe is an Arab town. Its a world apart from dear Henley .

When I went to collect the parcel there,guess what? Yes my purse wasnt in my bag, so no I D. Than I remembered that Jarvis had his ID disk on his collar, so I brought him in, the man read it, and that was fine. The man said thats a first for me..

I got muddled with the new layout at the roundabout, and a man called me a daft bitch.I didnt think that was very nice.

I listened to one song on my Abba cd repeatedly on the way home.It was Thank you for the music,the songs I'm singing .I did sing it too ,but as some of you know my singing is not good ,so just as well only Jarvis with me.He slept all the way home .

While out walking we saw a dead rabbit with no eyes.

Johnny Vagas is on the commedy programme on RADIO 4 now ,he does make me laugh.
I feel a bit sick so Dad will have an easy dinner for me to cook,it is a Counsell family favourite ,Long spagetti,grated cheese and ketchup.

Another very happy day

I have felt happy all day today , no stress at all and I have only spoken to nice people . First thing I did was walk Jarvis,and the sun was so nice and shiny, and I made a new friend while out ,and she is calling round tomorrow and we are going for a walk in the woods together, with our dogs.
Next I went to the leisure centre to get my free pass for 7 days , if it is good I will join ,because I would like to swim and do some exercises .David spent an hour showing me how everything worked ,he has a little dirt under his nails, he does not bite them ,which is unusual..When I watched him do some scrunchies ,his tummy was trembling.
On friday I go to get my 7 day pass from the L. A Fitness gym ,and I will let you know what I think of that.
After that I went to the Library and got 7 new books which are so good that all I really want to do is read ,but I havent started them yet.I will let you know about these as well.
For my late lunch I had a bowl of allbran and a banana sandwich, after which Jarvis and I walked to the allotment where we spent a long time digging up some potatoes and picking loads of runner beans,french beans,and spinach .some of the cabbages are ready to pick as well.
I have just made lots of cream of tomato soup as the Lady at the farm gave me 10 pounds .I shall freeze some .For dinner,Veg crudites and dip, followed by for Dad, braised steak and onions,with carrots and courgettes and green beans. For dessert ,new season blood oranges.

Fruit Blog

I have just cooked a fruit cake to take to Daniel and Lorraine tomorrow . Dad has come in from work and has enjoyed 2 slices, while waiting for his curry. Very nice he said,and why dont you cook fruit cake for me ?

No counsell news

I hope we all continue with our blogs and dont get fed up with them. I THINK ALL FAMILY MEMBERS ENJOY READING THEM. so come on , that was the week that was.
Now my news ,Dad is eating steak and onions while waiting for his veg, which is homemade cauli roast ,carrots, and wedges .JEREMY Clarkson is on ,I love his programes.He is a very nice man .Anyway let me be quick with all the news as the dinner is cooking so fast .We got up at ten today as it was wet early .Dad did his computer in bed while eating crumpets with organic heinz KETCHUP.I went for a wood walk . very fast while listening to the very best of Abba on my ipod . then i had a bowl of allbran while dad had a bath and then we went for a walk by the river and back through the town. This took 2 hours .It was very sunny so on our return we sat in the garden and talked and talked about all sorts.Dad had some beer and we bought out our laptops and tapped away ,sending @mails,looking up family history .ebay (I have a dishwasher for sale),delicius library ,then the batteries went flat so we both came in
So that brings us to now ,and the dinner is ready and I havent had time for all the weeks news .I had hoped to tell you about My visit to Maidstone, my gym trip,my walk with Jo, the Farm and Band B . Quickly some calfs arrived one week old ,they only had a mum for 3 days,as they are dairy cows .Poor darlings ,they look so sad ,But I will let you know how they get on .

Happy Days

The Bull at Sonning,Paul and I decided to have a Ploughmans each .


Paul outside with Jet, Jarvis and Fisher .

This is Lady.S. who I work for.

Nan and Grandad outside the warden bungalow they hope to move into soon.

Pete and Tracey at their front door.

Mr Junior Macwhitey

This is the Ist blog on my new Mac, and it is smashing.

Just took a blackberry and apple tart out of the oven .

It is six oclock and Dad is having a quick dinner tonight ,as its his camara club meeting .He is not home yet .

Last week went well and the lady came round with £160 and a bottle of olive oil . She said the dog was fine and the house had never looked so clean .I wish I could say that about this house . I spent 90 minutes this morning sorting the house ,and I hoovered, this pm . The hoover smells so bad ,I dont know why . I hate all hoovers .

Anyway after the housework we went for a 6 mile country walk . We met no one .The green lanes have lots of blackberrys ,hence the tart . We picked the apples in the graveyard just down our road ,when I went out this afternoon to the post . We have an invitation to a BBq . We must bring our own meat or veg ,and a salad or pudding .It is on the allotments ,so should be fun .

After our walk I ate a bowl of alllbran ,with soya milk ,and then 3 digestives and cheese .then I started to read My friend Leonard by James Frey. It is nearly as good as A million Little pieces ,his first book.It has 367 pages and I read 192 .I would have liked to read it all nonstop .
.

2 phonecalls since 6 0clock ,both from india looking for a Mrs Clar
It is now 6.30 .I will put some nice photos up next time .

2 week paid holiday

We are moving out of Greys Hill for 2 weeks .We will be living in the next road in a large house .
I am being paid to look after the pets .I know the dog , he use to live at the farm .He is so nice and is Jarvis;S best boyfriend .

I would have stayed there for nothing .,Just to be kind and help her .Also because it is nicer for Boyce who has only just moved there,this year .I am to be paid £20 per day and she is so pleased. she knows other people who would like this house sit.

Maybe a new buisness for us .

It is a nice house ,with a fridge that makes ice, and chilled water .a dishwasher ,dryer ,nice garden etc .

I will be able to have you all round for a meal in style .There is a big table outside and one in .

Please come , I think it is 10 times bigger than greys hill .

Large Exsposure.

While out walking today ,with my Godmother .a man jumped out of the bushes .He was very bare and rude .

I helped my Godmother hurry down the path and then called the police .

We got back and made some tea .Her hand was shaking holding the cup . She is 80 and never married .

I dont think she had ever seen anything like that before .

Poor Aunt Mary .

Goodnews

Ben has had his operation ,and is now recovering .He has a phone by his bed so we can all phone him on 07022594420 .

I am very happy tonight ,last night I didnt sleep well .

The surgeons knife

As I write this , our Ben is in the sussex county Hospital Brighton .East Ward .The Millenium Block .TEL. 01273 696955 .Ext 4345.

He went to the Fracture Clinic this afternoon ,they xrayed again and decided he needs a pin and a plate put in .The bone has come adrift ,I think that is what he said .

What time the operation is tomorrow we dont know.He will have to stay in , as it is a Genaral anasetic .

Its a long time since one of you boys has had an op . I am worried about him .

Lunch at the little Angel , with our little Angel

Here is our pete in the pub , not sure yet if we can order ,because they say the kitchen is backed up with orders .


So while we were waiting to find out we had a drink .

This is panacotta , with rasberry coulis ,this is a very modern dessert , unheard of 5 years ago .

We had a great time and lots of chat .Jarvis just had 6 chips .

Milly and Mussels

Some folks will be amazed at this news about milly .She has been vacumed out .All rubbish removed and covers washed .I am very proud of her now .She looks like a new car .

I am cooking Mussels in garlic butter tonight ,for the first time . Its nice to have something different .

We have open all hours on the telly .Ronnie Barker and David Jason are first class entertainers . They always make us laugh .

Oh yes it's Curry Night

The Akash Curry house. Preston Street, Brighton



With Ben and Ellika on Saturday Night

Dad managed to get the restaurants dog bowl full of brown spicy sludge with chunks of Lamb and some rice on the side.

Hottest day

We have had the hottest July day since records began .

The local paper has reported 37 degrees in Henley market square .There is a Picture of a baby on the front page, and it says underneath, strewth mate , it's hotter here than in Oz--Audrey snowden aged14 months finds the weather in her new home in Henley just like her native Australia .

Now some family news .Nan and Grandad have sold their bungalow in park way for £210,000 , and have bought another bungalow on a warden assisted site in East preston for £125,000 .

Also Nan told me that they will have to buy single beds because they can't manage to turn the mattress , or launder the 5ft duvet cover and sheets. What a shame after more than 50 years sleeping together in the same bed .

Dad has a very bad cold .

Ben has started pre season football training , and we are going to watch him play on saturday .No chance of it being rained off as the heatwave is here to stay .

I saw a sprinkler being used today .The only green lawn around here . I would not report them .

I have bought some new breakfast cereal it is made by Jordans ;The superfoods Breakfast flakes, wholegrain oats ,almonds , cranberries and Blueberries .Its high in fibre ,,and antioxidants for a healthy heart and wellbeing .In my waitrose magazine, which has lots of recipes from Bill Grainger ,It says that Weet-bix is Australias most popular breakfast ceral , selling 22 million boxes a year.Also it says there are more espresso machines in Australia , than in Italy ,due to the popularity of coffee shops which increased by 100% between 2001 and 2004 .

5 photos

Kim and I on her 47th Birthday at the Fountain Inn


Here's all my friends from Southwick. Left to right:
Liz Driver, Lin Cobb, Kim Carter, Me, Lin Corrigan. We're all looking very happy(mainly do =ue to the drink!)


Here is a photo of Ben taken during the world cup while we were watching England play

Here's my little collection of bits and peices.

This line of shoes started by some accidentally getting their shoes caught up there. Now it's all the rage to add to the rather interesting collection!

Lost post

I am very cross .I have spent the last 30 minuetes typing a blog and safari went off . Where has all my hard work gone?

It was called LOTS TO SAY .I havent written for a long while ,so I was telling you about Kims 48th birthday lunch ,my nan ,My age and half my life done , if I am
as lucky as her .She never left England ,she was very contented being a housewife,and enjoyed life very much , up untill she couldnt walk .

I must take lessons in controlling Mr Mac.sometimes he has a mind of his own ,I want him to realise I am in charge!!

Upstairs in my otterman ,which by the way is a treasure chest full of old papers and such ,I have a bundle of letters which nans son sent her , when he was serving in the 2nd world war .in singapore and India I might publish some extracts if anyone is interested.

I have put on the blog some extracts from my journal ,so watch out for the 1st ever episode 5 years ago .

Dads just arrived back from work so I must get ready to go out for a meal to the Thai Gardens in Henley.

PERFECT DAY

We have had such a happy day today , Nothing special has happened , but we have enjoyed it . shall I tell you all about it ? but maybe you will think that sounds boring .

Peter and Tracey are at their friends wedding ,Tracey is a bridesmaid , so that is a very special day for them .

It is Lorraines 27th birhtday today .That is very special as well .


Lorraine, Daniel , Ben , and Ellika and Friends are camping in wales in fancy dress , so that is special as well .

I dont think we have been doing anything as special as that . .

Dans veg box

Dan has Dad and I stumped on this ,Can you help ? .

Heatwave in Henley

I am sorry to tell you all that the hot weather was to much for Dad and I today , and the planned picnic at the regatta was cancelled .

I got up early and went to the allotment to water ,then I came back and made the picnic food .
This is the menu .

Oozy cheese sandwiches ,these are made with wheat-flour tortllas ,grated cheddar and mozzarella ,sliced tomatoes and roasted red peppers from a jar .

Goats cheese and rocket-a poppy seed bagel , spread with the cheese ,sliced tomatoes and rocket leaves .

Posh egg sandwiches -granery bread ,
filled with chopped boiled egg ,roughly chopped watercress , smoked salmon and mayo .

New york style pastrami on rye -flavour mayo with dijon mustard(go as hot as you like) and spread over slices of rye bread .Top with lettuce , pasrtami and gerkin .



we ate these while we were watching the Antique road show .
Monday 3rd July at 4.30 .



I have just done the ironing while watchig wimbledon , Andy Murry is now out , the last british player .Leyton Hewitt is through ,so I want him to win .

We have 28 blue cabbages and 18 green .They will be ready in september .I can chop them up and freeze them .I will be looking for ideas about what to do with them all .Frost will kill them as they are a summer variety .
The only tomato plant , that lives in a red bucket in the yard ,. is not looking good .His leaves are curling up and have brown spots on .

I have tried to insert the date but cant get the lines back in place .

Later the same evening

The cheese had gone mouldy . This hot weather has made me think i shall have to turn the fridge up to 4 .Still Dad has enjoyed his meal , which has been washed down with a very fine chillean wine that peter bought up for his birthday . . The barometer which my great Grandfather use to tap every day , does not like living in Henley .He has neve been the same since arriving here in Dads car .Hence I am unable to tell you the temperature in our little kitchen .We are having summer fruit fool for dessert , this is a recipe from Paul Rankin .Go to bbc.co.uk food .

Blue washing up

I have been very fortunate today , I managed to buy a very rare bottle of blue washing up liquid . I have never seen one before .
So now I have six .How many have you got ?

Henley is very hot and so very busy , the Regatta is on .Dad and I are going on saturday , and taking a picnic , our cameras , and 2 bottles of champagne .These will go in my wicker basket , along with Jarvis's dog biscuit's .

We are having pasta tonight , with a vine -ripened tomato and mascerpone stir through sauce .Also some parmessan cheese .
Not great ,but it's late and this is quick .

I have made 5 rhubarb crumbles .Do let me know if you would like one .They are in the freezer .

A man has given me 34 cabbage plants , which I have put in the allotment, so plenty of cabbage for the autumn .

An extract from my written journal

June 21st 2002

Everybody is getting up early to watch the quarter finals of the world cup . England are playing Brazil . The K. O. is 7.30 am .

Dad finished work yesterday , so he will be able to watch it .

We have eggs , sausages , mushrooms , and tomatoes in for a special breakfast .

The whole country is either watching it at work ,on large screens, or going in after the match . Such great excitment everywhere .

I do hope they win .

Today is the longest day . Yesterday turned out sunny . I was sad first thing , but I cheered up later . I went into Brighton to get my glasses, and nan's birthday present .

Saturday 22nd June 2002

We lost 2.1 to Brazil , so we are out of the world cup . What a shame , because if we had beaten them we had a good chance of winning the competion.

It was nice and sunny yesterday and there was daylight for 18 hours .

Every morning I wake up so early . I wish I could lie in . I've just read a book , about somebody walking the south downs way .I would really like to do this , before I move .

We walked along The Gardens and past our old shop . Its nearly 20 years since we moved down to Southwick . Amaziing .

Sunday 23rd June 2002

Another sunny day .No rain all week .

Last night everyone bar me , went to the pictures to see Spiderman . They enjoyed it .

I went to Hove lawns to see the commonwealth games baton arrive . They had music and entertainment . Joanne Good from southern counties radio was the compere .It was so windy , and I didnt have a jacket ,so I came home sooner than I wanted to .
Its a nice day today, I wonder if we might go out somewhere .

Dotty ,Wrinkle , Jarvis . Ben . Paul ,and me .

The photo of the dogs and me was taken at the farm where I work .

Ben is waving goodbye outside his house .

Paul is having a pub meal with me in the village , where the vicar of Didley was filmed .

An extract from my written journal

Saturday 1st June 2002

I'm starting my 2nd journal , on a happier note than the 1st one , which I started the day after you and Lisa left for Australia .

You have never read the first one,phraphs one day .

Anyway , you are both happy in osbourne st , as you have your buisness and good jobs. and in 7 months we will see you , as that is when Daniel and Lorraine are getting married .

Its 6.30 am and the sun is shinning . Dad is in bed reading his computer magazine , and drinking a cup of earl grey .

Yesterday nan and I potted up a lot of cuttings , which she is going to look after for me . I sat in the garden and listened to the radio , then did some gardening . I arranged the table and chairs ready for us to have cocktails in the garden , but the sun went in . So we had a nice evening in and watched tv.

Dad has just seen a review of Dans programme in Mac World . He's a clever lad , fame is just waiting to happen for him .


Sunday 2nd June 2002

The world cup in Japan is on . So all matches are shown live in the morning here . Most pubs will be open early .
England are playing Sweden today , so we will have a special breakfast , while we are watching .

Yesterday was a loveley day sunny day . A good start for June , which is my favourite month . The days are long and sunny . The roses are out in the garden , it looks nice out there . I love the garden..
All the boys were working . Dad and I had a quiet day . we bought 2 very nice chrome and blue folding chairs from Homebase for £14.99. each .

Red Shoes

On the subject of red, the other day I was in Reading, wearing my patent leather red shoes, when a man came up to me and said 'hello Dorothy' This was odd at first, and then I realised why, and I laughed to myself What fun!!!

Do you know why?

Today has been our longest day, and Australias shortest. I love these sunny summer days.

Nan and Grandad have put their bungalow up for sale.

They would like to buy a warden controlled retirement flat.

They bought that place not long after they retired, which was the day our Ben was born, and that was a very happy day.

The days you boys were born are the happiest days of Dads and my life.

I am so counting the days untill we see Alex and Lisa again. It makes me so tearfull, but happy, when I think about next February.

I think my next entry will be a transcript of my journals, for a few years ago. Do you think this would be interesting to you?

Its 10 o clock. I havent had my dinner yet. Dad is out, and that is why I havent got round to it yet. I have been making Jam.
Thats enough for now.

P.S. Edited by Ben.

Reading now.

The biography of captain James Cook

At home with books.How booklovers live with and care for their libaries.

BBC good food magazine

New Red Kettle

Our old kettle(4 years old) would not boil and it blew the fuse twice.So after work I drove to Reading (£3 to park) and went in John Lewis .The only shop you need there.It sells such nice things and its easy to shop there.Its quality all the way ,staff as well.
Ben knows and likes this shop.So its not for old fogies only.There were 16 kettles to choose from,all laid out so you could examine them and read all about them.I choose the Red because we have a Red dualit toaster as well.This has been excellant and I would recomend you buy this one as toasters in the Counsell family have had a nasty habbit of catching fire.Im making strawberry jam, and if you would like a jar ,just let me know.

Dogs dinner

Jarvis is having raw egg and tescos complete dog food with chichen.Which would you rather have?

Jet only to answer.

Only an apron

All gone.Its10pm.

I've asked Steve what we are watching. He says "It's a marvelous invention called Television..."
Oh so very funny!

Ipod radio v cassette tape

On the way to work I listened to BBC Radio Berkshire.The show was hosted by Andrew Peach.Need I say any more about him.This is the only station available.
On the way home I listened to The Carpenters. 1972.I bought this for twenty five pence at a charity shop.I ,sang along at the top of my voice,with the car windows down. The poor passers by.Some of you are aware that my singing is not out of the top drawer.

At home we have on Radio 4.As I was leaving they were talking about the latest craze. Bombs made from coke bottles and mintoe sweets.It explodes so high and the noise is recorded and put on your phone.I would like more imformation on this.It is something I would like try or see.Do you know anything about this?

Now I can help you with the recipes for tonights meal.

Thai turkey burgers ,with Mango pickle mayo ,spicy mango salsa,baby gem leaves,cue and toms in a ciabatta roll.

Sweet potato chips and sssssssssssspinach and watercress salad.

Its time to start as Steve will be home soon.

pink washing up and strawberrys

Today is a pink washing up day .it is made from pink grapefruits.

if you are interested in my hobby of washing up liquids I would be pleased to hear from you. I have only been interested in collecting and using these since we moved to Henley.


Now I went to the allotment this morning (over 30 DEGREES) ,to see if our plastic membrane had arrived.This is half a mile away.

Anyway it hadnt ,but there were many strawberrys ripe for picking.The only thing I had to put some in was a pooh bag.

needs must. so dad and I are having them with creme fraice tonight for pud.

We have an inspection of our house on wednesday by the rentall firm ,so I am cleaning up a bit .Iwashed all the sheets and rugs and they dried in less than an hour, just like in melbourne. magic.....:)

washing up liquid.SUMMER AND BBQ

today as it was very sunny I have been using my yellow washing up liquid.What have you been using?
The best hand cooked crisps are waitrose sea salt £1.19 for 150g.

the things I love about an English summer are
Everywhere you go -AT WHATEVER THE TIME OF DAY-SEEMS TO OFFER THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR A GLASS OF CHILLED WHITE WINE.{EXCEPT THE HENLEY CAMERA CLUB BBQ)

LIVING CLOSE TO NEIGHBOURS AS WE DO .ALL DAY WE HAVE HAD THE SMELL OF BURNT FOOD.THIS IS SO SO BRITISH.

Remembering

I took this photo a short while ago. I like it very much, and I hope you all do.

washing up liquid.

I have 5 different bottles on the go. How many have you?

Goodbye to a best friend.

Dad and I were with her at the end,which was very peaceful.

We put her in the back of Millie, in a cardboard coffin,with her green bone,which she loved to carry round with her.

Then Jarvis saw her,and we drove down to nans house.It was the hotest day ,and the traffic was at a standstill on the M25

Not a good day for this.It took 3 hours.

We buried her at the end of the garden, under the apple tree.

Jarvis stood by the whole time ,he didnt move untill we had finished. He had been very quite,but then he seemed to know it was time to get on with the rest of his life.

Ben came round and we were glad of his suport.

Thankyou all for your kind messages.It means alot to Dad and I.

Sad news

Tessa counsell has broken her front right leg.

Due to the large mass on tessa'sliver there is no treatment.


the vet thinks she would not survive the anasetic needed to xray.

she has strong pain tablets.

she will fall asleep on saturday at 1200.

please say a prayer for a good friend .

im crying now....

Dog bites on river walk.

Tessa counsell was assaulted by a brown labrador this morning.

there was no need for this ,

she was walking along with me, on her lead, this dog attacked her and down she went, with a cry.

No blood. BUT A LOT OF PAIN.

We turned back,with tessa limping all the way. IT is about 1 mile home.

She has been bed bound ever since.

The owner of the other dog did not even stop. He hurried on his way.

Tomorrow the vets.

Bridget has just phoned. Can i go in extra tomorrow as the B and B is very busy.

Lots of rooms and beds to change.

assault in lewes east sussex

i was shocked today to have a german traffic warden tell me he had been beaten up while going about his buisness in the very elite and gentile town of lewis.i tried to take a photo of him to show you all.this was against the law.so he said.

bloody six o clock!

Now i am using my own computer. This is going to be very interesting and amazing.It will also be a first time wonder in my whole life .This might not be long if when six o clock arrives my mind and hand think about a beveridge of the nicest kind. my thanks to ben and steve for their help in making this typing possible. Its now six.

Today I start to type, but how do I remember how to get the typing as good as I want it, see what I mean. Capitals, commas, puncuation, spelling, the list goes on.
I'll need some guidance before I can be let loose on this.

Capital, Punctuation etc edits by Steve

Welcome

This blog will be a transcription of my hand written jounal that I've been keeping since our son Alex left for Australia in 2001